Why Duct Sealing Helps Lower Energy Bills — Year-Round
A home can lose up to 20 percent of the conditioned air that flows through its ductwork because of issues such as loose connections, rips and tears, according to Energy Star.
If your energy bills have risen noticeably, and parts of your home seem to be hard to keep warm or cool, your ductwork could be the culprit. Sealing your ductwork could go a long way toward making your home more comfortable and your energy bills more affordable — year round.
Sealing the ductwork you can get at easily is a fairly simple do-it-yourself job. But you may want to call in a contractor if you think you lack the expertise and time to give the job the attention it deserves. Your contractor can also get at sections in hard-to-reach spaces.
How to start the project? Inspect the ductwork that you can see. Are any connections loose? Are sections crushed or dented? Do you see any holes? These are places where fumes and pollutants can enter your airflow — and where you can lose your conditioned air — along with your energy efficiency. If you have an expanse of ductwork running through a basement or a garage, unhealthy fumes from those areas could be circulating through your living space. Use mastic sealant and metal tape to seal the leaks.
Once your ductwork is sealed, make sure it’s insulated. This is especially important when you have ductwork running though uninsulated spaces, such as an attic or crawl space. A well sealed duct system can greatly enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
When you are ready for expert HVAC advice for all of your ductwork needs, contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Founded in 1910, Apollo Home serves the Cincinnati area. We can answer all of your questions and help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Our aim is helping your lower your energy bills — year round.
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